I started out learning Python, which is a simple, high-level sctipting language. Although it's high level, it is powerfull with a lot of included libraries for internet, mail, numerical methods etc.

It lets you get into the basic concepts about loops, tests and datatypes very easy.

The only problem is that it's a very forgiving language, which means that to embark more "strict" languages (like C or even Java) afterwards might be a bit of a challenge. However, I don't think you can go wrong with Python as your introduction to programming.

Really depends on what you want, C, Perl, Python, Assembly, etc. The biggest thing is, once you start learning languages don't stop programming. Make it a point to write 1 program / script a day.

Langs I've used in the past / had to learn.Cobal, C, Shell Scripting, SQL, PL/SQL, Perl, and WebFOCUS / FOCUS. Out of those languages the only two I still touch are Shell Scripting and Perl, and neither one is as good as they were 10 years ago (went through a stent where I didn't write scripts at all and forgot a lot).

g5th wrote:sir i have a vb? i forget it already,, can vb help as a newbie programmer? i had install already...

From my experience VB will help a newbie programmer pull their hair out and be grateful when they graduate to a different language.

Being more serious; VB can provide a platform for learning coding basics, conditional and loop constructs etc. but I'd I'd highly recommend you take Chris' suggest of Python and start there. It's no harder to grasp the basics than VB and will provide you more lasting benefit going forward.

I still use VB quite a bit, especially on .NET. It is a bit of a limiting language, but if you are working in a framework, than it's quite bearable. It's major advantage is that it's very easy, and like the others said, it's a good stepping stone to other languages. One of the biggest issues with it is that it obscures too much from the programmer. You become too complacent and that can lead to poor coding practices.

I believe that the first language matters a lot. I started with C and I think that it has very much helped me in understanding other languages . I'll quote Bryan Woods here:

Your first programming language provides you with a base vocabulary through which you begin to understand all other computer programs. As a linguistics major, you're no stranger to the idea that a person is only capable of having thoughts and ideas that can be expressed in their language, and there is no reason to expect programming languages to differ from spoken languages in this area. It is absolutely crucial to pick a first language with a deep, expressive vocabulary for this reason, and all programming languages are not created equal.

I don't know how someone who has started with Perl or Python adjusted to the concept of numerous datatypes and pointers in C. But these concepts surely helped me in understanding Perl scalars, arrays and hashes. That's the reason I always recommend C to novice programmers. It's one of the most complete languages and is small enough to be learned easily. Learning pointers, though a PITA, once you get the concepts it's pure joy.

Anyway, no matter which language you start with, it's always better to follow it up with a course in data structures and algorithms. Learning syntax is not enough, you've to know how to store data using proper structures (data structures) and solve common algorithmic problems.

On the practice side, once you think you've complete understood all the three concepts (programming language + data structures + algorithms), you can use the various college course pages and try to do their programming projects. It not only helps you on the programming side but also builds your knowledge of other courses (Operating systems, Internet, compiler design etc..). Of course you won't get any grades